Mr Lapang, who is presently at Bangkok to woo investors from South East Asian countries, has invited investors to invest in tourism and Information Technology in this picturesque state.

''It is the right time to forge a partnership between Bangkok and Meghalaya for common interest,'' Mr Lapang said at the inaugural function of the 'North East Indian Investment Opportunities Week' at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Thailand yesterday.

The three-day business conclave, initiated by Department of North Eastern Region(DoNER) Minister and Indian Chamber of Commerce was also attended by Union Minister in-charge Development of North Eastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar, Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh Dorjee Khandu, of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh, and of Mizoram Zoramthanga, besides, officials, entrepreneurs from India and Thailand.

With Meghalaya emerging as the IT hub of the region, Mr Lapang said Meghalaya's IT policy is supportive of this thrust with land, capital, interest, power and fiscal concessions, throughputs based incentives and support for feasibility studies.

On the tourism sector, Mr Lapang underlined the need for development of tourism infrastructure and hospitality and support services. He also invited Thai investors to invest in this sector.

On the export potential of Meghalaya, Mr Lapang said the biggest advantage of Meghalaya in the field of export was that most of the State's horticultural produce like strawberry, ginger, turmeric and cashew nuts are inherently organic which ''give an opportunity to the potential investors to grow and market them at good price.'' ''I am confident that the bonds that have been revived by the governments of the two countries will be the cornerstone of an enduring relationship that will transcend boundaries to bring prosperity to this great region of South East Asia,'' he said.

The three-day conclave was mooted by Thailand Commerce Minister Krirk-Krai Jirapaet during his visit to the region in June last.

Earlier, the Thai government showed keen interest to develop the infrastructure in the North East India, especailly with the trilateral highway connecting the NE with Myanmar and Thailand.